15 Dec
2001
15 Dec
'01
2:39 p.m.
From: Gunther Schadow <gunther(a)aurora.regenstrief.org>
I have that itching to start up my new PDP8/A even
without
disks attached. Have a programmers console, so that's enough
to enter a few programs. It's intriguing to see a machine
Congrats!
But first I need to give this thing a good cleaning. A
friend
has assured me that there's nothing better than the dishwasher,
with the exception of big capacitors and, what about magnetic
core memory? So, how should I clean the RAM cards? How the
DC power supply units?
The PS do by hand and CORE planes never goes in the dishwasher.
The core IO boards can be dishwashed.
If I put the other stuff in the dishwasher, I know
there should
be no detergent and no heat dry. But what about the rinsing
aid, do I have to pump this out of the reservoir?
No problem. I use minimal detergent as most of the dreg on the boards
is water soluable.
I heard of another method using hand-washing first,
then drying
and finally a bath in Isopropanol. Is that what I should do
with the core memory cards?
Core planes are very fragile and usually covered enough to prevent
much muck inside. the driver boards usually get nasty dirty.
Finally, finally, I noticed that the cards are all
slightly
bent from being kept in a horizontal position. They are sagging
a little, like a hammock. Would that be a cause of concern
in the long run? Should I mount the chassis in an upright
position in the future?
Not an issue, dont try to straighten.
PS: I am probably going to make one
"portable" PDP-8, where
the console is mounted on the chassis and the rest of the
opening covered plus a handle on the top. That would be neat
for bringing into the classroom to teach fundamentals of
computer programming, wouldn't it?
yes it would PDP-8 is still a good minimalist model to work from.
Allison